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Study With Us - Certificate in Religious Studies

Providing teachers with a basic qualification in Catholic Religious Studies

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

This is a two-year course for trainee and qualified teachers aiming to provide a basic qualification in Catholic Religious Education. It is in accordance with the requirements laid down by the Board of Studies of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and the Certificate is awarded with the authority of the Archbishop of Birmingham.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be a trainee or qualified teacher.

How long is the programme?

This is a two-year, part-time, distance-learning course.

When is the next enrolment?

The course recommences each autumn.

Programme information (content & structure)

The course consists of eight modules, four per year, and assessment is by a written assignment. Each module requires ten hours of contact time, so there is a series of 3 compulsory study days plus webinar seminars and tutorials.

Unit 1 - The Old Testament

Unit 2 - The New Testament

Unit 3 - Jesus the Christ

Unit 4 - Introduction to Church History

Unit 5 - The Church

Unit 6 - Sacraments

Unit 7 - Liturgy, Worship and Prayer

Unit 8 - Christian Morality

Assessment

A written assignment is submitted for each module.

Resources needed

A Bible

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Access to the Documents of Vatican II

How do I apply?

Accessibility

If you have a disability or any long-term condition that impacts on your day-to-day life, please download the Accessibility Form, open and edit it in Acrobat Reader, and email or post the completed document to the Accessibility Coordinator (address included on the form), to ensure we can give you the best possible support during your course of study. Disclosing a disability will not be a factor in Institute’s decision as to whether or not to offer you a place on the course. However, it is important that the Institute knows if you have any specialist needs in order to provide you with appropriate support and facilities. This information will remain strictly confidential. For further information, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator by using the contact button below:

For further information

Please contact us either by making an online enquiry below or by calling 0121 3608118.

Student Feedback

"I feel I have a good understanding of what is expected of me and I have been provided with really good course material to guide me. We have had guidance from our tutor and I feel I can ask for advice"

FE Student - October 2018 (CCRS Maryvale)

Comments from FE Retreat Day (July 2018)

"Loved all of the retreat, thank you for organising it. Praying with clay was sensational – delivered so expertly. It was deeply prayerful and surprised me how creative God ennobled me to be. I would love a whole day on this. The hand massage was relaxing, delivered by kind and gentle expert practitioners. Mass was beautiful. Thank you for delicious home-made food too.”

"I finished MCC last year and would highly recommend it to others. I’m considering Health Care Chaplaincy"

"Loved the time to pray and loved the clay prayer and also the message: 'Talking to other students'. Both my friends and I were happy with all of the day. The one to one is valuable, also the webinars are fantastic."

"Wow, what an amazing experience! Lovely welcome, then taking part in the clay/prayer. Not what you make, but the feelings and revelations it gives you. Fantastic lunch, thank you sisters. Free time to pray and talk. Wonderful foot massage – a real crowning day. Time with the Lord & Benediction. What more could we ask? When is the next one?"

"Both sessions were excellent. They were both peaceful and I feel calm and at peace and very relaxed. Thank you for all the information I had about the MCC assignment. It has given me hope to continue and finished the assignment."

FE Students - July 2018

"The delivery of the course was engaging and interesting/useful information. Healing!"

FE Student - February 2018 (CCRS Maryvale)

"The positive and enthusiastic energy about finishing the course, and that it is doable. The help available outside learning days and study days."

FE Student - February 2018 (CCRS Maryvale)

"[I enjoyed] the introduction to Church History, learning how the church(es) has evolved from the days of Paul. Discussing how to approach assignments and understanding the expectation."